Iraqi excavations to reveal secrets of life in Mesopotamia 4,000 years ago
Archaeologists have found new remains near Baghdad that will shed new light on life in Mesopotamia some 4,000 years ago, Iraqi authorities have said. Iraq 's State Board of Antiquities and Heritage announced the discoveries as part of a joint project with Italy’s University of Catania. The findings include walls and gates, facilities that may have been used for food production, and traces of…
Archaeologists in Iraq have unearthed significant remains near Baghdad that provide new insights into life in Mesopotamia around 4,000 years ago. The State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, in collaboration with Italy’s University of Catania, announced the discoveries as part of a joint project. The findings include ancient walls, gates, facilities possibly used for food production, and evidence of metalworking and burial practices from the period of Hammurabi, a Babylonian king from around 1750 BC.
These excavations, initiated in 2022 and led by Catania professor Nicola Aneri, uncovered two gates, a smaller postern likely for military use, and have led to plans for an archaeological park to be opened to the public.
The site of Tell Muhammad, which dates back to the Old Babylonian and Kassite periods, reveals details of early urban development in central Mesopotamia before Baghdad became the Abbasid capital. It is also known as one of the settlements of the Kingdom of Eshnunna, which thrived from 2000 to 1761 BC. Despite Iraq being rich in ruins and artifacts from some of the world’s earliest civilizations, decades of conflict and instability have hindered archaeological efforts.
Additionally, sites have been threatened by wars and climate change. Ali Obaid Shalgham, head of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage, announced the findings on Monday, stating that the artifacts will be transferred to the Iraq Museum in Baghdad.
Collaborative archaeological efforts are crucial to Iraq’s efforts to revive tourism and showcase its historical treasures. Mr. Shalgham praised Prof. Laneri and his team for their outstanding work at the Tell Muhammad site, which will serve as an inspiring archaeological park for sustainable tourism in Baghdad. The Iraqi Tourism and Antiquities Minister has encouraged bringing in foreign archaeologists to work alongside local specialists, aiming to combine expertise to uncover the country’s cultural and historical heritage.
Last year, over 50 foreign missions were reported to be working in Iraq to excavate and restore sites, preparing them for tourism.
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